Diplomatic Winter Bazaar, the biggest humanitarian event of the year, will be held on Saturday in the Hall Mirza Delibasic in Sarajevo.
This is the event that gathers almost all embassies and international organizations that are operating in BiH to join together to “return hospitality”, and represent their national cuisines in the best way possible, as well as to give an opportunity to visitors to buy some unusual gifts. The entire income raised at this event will go for humanitarian purposes.
Indonesia has been participating in DWB since 2011, and its participation in this year’s Diplomatic Winter Bazaar was inspired by the strong commitment to fostering cultural diplomacy and enhancing people-to-people connections with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
As a nation, Indonesia recognizes the importance of building bridges of mutual understanding through cultural exchanges, and the Diplomatic Winter Bazaar provides an excellent platform to showcase Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, culinary and diverse traditions.
This event also aligns with Indonesia’s broader foreign policy objectives of strengthening bilateral ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina and promoting global solidarity.
“By participating, we hope to not only highlight our unique cultural offerings, such as our traditional crafts, culinary delights, and vibrant music, but also to engage with the local community in a meaningful way, fostering closer ties between our peoples. Additionally, Indonesia’s involvement reflects our dedication to contributing to a spirit of cooperation and goodwill within the diplomatic community here in Sarajevo,” it was stated from the Embassy in Indonesia for the Sarajevo Times.
Through the experience of Indonesian food and souvenirs, they hope visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity, which is reflected in their culinary traditions and unique handcrafted products.
“Indonesian cuisine is a fusion of flavors and influences from various regions, each with its own history and distinct character. By sharing these flavors, we aim to introduce visitors to the vibrant and colorful tapestry of Indonesian culture, fostering a sense of curiosity and appreciation for our traditions,” they explained further.
The souvenirs on display are also a window into the artistry and craftsmanship that thrive across Indonesia’s many islands. From intricate batik textiles to finely crafted wooden artifacts, these items carry with them the stories and heritage of Indonesia’s diverse communities.
“We hope that visitors will not only enjoy the sensory experience but also leave with a deeper connection to the values of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange.
Ultimately, our goal is for visitors to carry away a sense of warmth and connection with Indonesia, and for this exchange to contribute to a broader understanding and stronger ties between our two countries,” they concluded from the embassy.
This year, the Indonesian Embassy stand will offer many variations of Indonesian dishes such as: savory Snacks : Pastel (Crispy Fried with Veggies), Risoles (Fried Crepes with Veggie), Fried Tofu, Vegetables Fritters. Also, they will showcase the sweet Snacks : Onde Onde (Sesame Glutinous Ball), Dadar Gulung (Pandan Crepes with shredded coconut), Pisang Molen ( Banana Puff Pastry), Lumpur Surga ( A pudding like dessert made from coconut milk and pandan leaves). In addition, there will be a Meal Box : Chicken Satay, Beef Rendang, and Bakso (Meatball soup).
Indonesian food is a true reflection of the country’s cultural diversity, which is shaped by over 17,000 islands, over 300 of ethnic groups, and a rich history of interactions with various cultures, both within the region and across the world. Each region of Indonesia has its own distinct culinary traditions, influenced by local ingredients, customs, and external influences from trade, migration, and colonization.
For example, in the archipelago’s western regions, such as Sumatra, you’ll find rich, spicy dishes influenced by Indian, Middle Eastern, and Muslim culinary traditions, like rendang and satay. In Java, the cuisine is more refined and balanced, with dishes such as gudeg and soto, reflecting the island’s history of Hinduism, Buddhism, and later, Islamic influence. In Bali, you can experience flavors that combine ancient indigenous practices with Hindu cultural traditions. Meanwhile, the spices, such as nutmeg and cloves, are a legacy of Indonesia’s role in the spice trade, which brought culinary influences from across the globe.
“Bakso is one of Indonesia’s culinary delights that has many fans. Although it is now one of the common and popular street food in Indonesia, bakso is influenced by other culture. The meatballs that Indonesian people know today were introduced by Chinese traders who settled in Indonesia. However, meatballs in Indonesia have changed. The changes occurred in the raw materials. Meatballs that originally used pork in their place of origin, in Indonesia are mostly made from beef. The broth has also been adjusted to suit Indonesian tastes so that it is rich in flavor and aroma of spices, it was explained.
Indonesian food showcases the ability to blend ingredients and techniques from diverse traditions into a harmonious whole, which is symbolic of Indonesia itself—an archipelago united in its diversity. This diversity in our cuisine is not just about food but reflects our respect for local traditions, our shared history, and our commitment to fostering unity amid diversity. By sharing these culinary experiences with others, we hope to promote greater understanding of Indonesia’s cultural richness.
